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It seems a habit of yesterday only. Mom waiting for me at the bus-stop, searching my face for signs of despondence. Trying to decipher how yet another day had treated me. The most frequent answer was: harshly. Yet it has been ten long months since I left my quaint, little town of dwelling to settle in the metropolitan capital. But the memories are as fresh as a recent wound, refusing to clot.
My quaint, little town of dwelling, contrary to popular consensus, was like a cage for me. My school in that town was filled with people who competed to the extent of negativity. I never made friends with anyone in that school. I was a good student. My good height encouraged me to take basketball seriously. Once, I remember, standing near the basket, ready to receive an obvious pass. Instead, a girl I'll call V, passed it to another girl A, who was surrounded by opposing players and a tall girl R succeeded in catching the ball. We lost the game. Once, I remember, I had auditioned for a 'just-a-minute' activity. Unfortunately, I got a rather complicated topic and ran out of time. I was disqualified. A girl remarked that it was well deserved and made other unruly comments. I was hurt to the core. Next day, the teacher-in-charge held another round of auditions. I was selected and I went on to win the Inter-house contest. Yet acceptance was something I was constantly denied.
Once, I remember that my class-teacher had collected the photographs of students whom she expected to top in the class. These photos were then to be displayed on bulletin boards. That year, I topped all the sections of my class. My photograph was everywhere. But one of them was in a disgraceful state. Someone had drawn mustache and a beard. Quite an artistic piece, I must say. That day, I went home and cried my heart out. I remember, that me arch rival would mumble 'stop, stop, stop, forget, forget, forget' whenever I recited a poem. My Mom told me that it would all be over.
It indeed got over when we shifted to the metropolitan capital. Here, contrary to popular consensus, I made friends. I met people who are too busy improving themselves rather than condemning others. People who work hard to achieve perfection. People who believe in improving their performance rather than deteriorating others'.
Friends, remember that all phases in life will pass one day. In this world, change is the only constant.
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